Cleaning products might not be the most exciting topic, but they’re definitely one of the most practical things we use every day.

Two names that often come up in the cleaning aisle are Ajax and Comet . You’ve probably seen them both and maybe even used one or the other at some point. But which one actually works better?

To find out, I decided to put these two head-to-head in a little experiment.

I used my split sink, applying Comet on one side and Ajax on the other. Both sides were equally dirty, so it was a fair test. I sprinkled, scrubbed, and wiped, paying close attention to things like scent, texture, cleaning power, and rinsing.

Here’s my Ajax vs Comet comparison based on the results.

#1 Product Design And Packaging

Both Ajax and Comet have pretty similar designs. They come in those classic round containers with lids that have little holes for sprinkling. You know the drill - you lift the top, sprinkle some powder, and get to work. Nothing fancy here, but it works.

One thing to note is that Comet sometimes comes in slightly bigger containers, depending on what the store has in stock. Ajax, on the other hand, seems to stick to a standard size.

Honestly, this isn’t a big deal unless you’re someone who goes through cleaning powder like crazy.

Then again, if you’re like most people and only clean your sink once a week, either size will do just fine.

#2 Scent

Ajax has a stronger smell than Comet.

Comet has a subtle scent—or at least it claims to be lemon-scented. Personally, I didn’t notice much of a lemon vibe. It smells more like… well, a generic cleaner.

Not bad, not amazing. Just neutral.

Ajax, though? Oh boy, it’s got a stronger scent. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely noticeable.

Some people might find it a little too strong, especially if they’re sensitive to smells.

If you prefer something milder, Comet might be your go-to, but if you like knowing exactly where the cleaner is because of its scent, Ajax’s stronger aroma could be a bonus.

#3 Abrasiveness

Both Ajax and Comet are abrasive cleaners, meaning they’re designed to scrub away tough stains and grime.

That’s great news for your sink but maybe not so great for delicate surfaces. So tread carefully if you’re using these on softer materials like acrylic or enamel.

In terms of texture, Comet feels smoother when you sprinkle it. Ajax is thicker and clumpier.

At first, I thought this might be a downside, but as I used it, I realized that thickness actually helps it stick to the surface better. More on that later!

#4 Application Process

When it comes to applying these cleaners, both are pretty straightforward.

Comet’s instructions say to leave it on for about 15 seconds before wiping it off. Ajax doesn’t specify a time frame—it just says to apply and wipe.

To keep things fair, both were left on for 15 seconds during the test.

Applying Comet was smooth and easy, spreading evenly across the sink without much effort. Ajax, being thicker, took a bit more work to spread around. However, once it was on the surface, it stayed put, which turned out to be an advantage.

Both were easy to apply, but Ajax required a little extra effort to distribute evenly.

Also Read: 7 Great Simple Green Alternatives

#5 Cleaning Performance

This is where the rubber meets the road—or, in this case, where the cleaner meets the sink.

I tested both on a porcelain sink, which is pretty standard for most homes. Both sides of my sink were equally dirty, so it was a fair fight.

After scrubbing and wiping, I noticed something cool. Comet did a decent job. It cleaned the surface and made the sink look better than before.

But Ajax? Oh, Ajax went above and beyond!

It left the sink shinier, brighter, and with fewer stains. The difference was clear as day.

I think part of the reason Ajax performed better is its thicker texture. It stuck to the sink longer, which meant it had more time to work its magic. Comet, being smoother, seemed to just clean the surface without digging deeper into the grime.

#6 Visibility During Cleaning

Here’s a fun little detail I noticed while scrubbing: Ajax leaves behind blue streaks as you clean.

At first, I thought, “Hmm, is this a problem?” But then I realized it’s actually super helpful.

Those blue streaks show you exactly where the cleaner is and where you’ve already scrubbed. No guesswork involved.

Comet, on the other hand, don't leave any visible marks. You kind of have to trust that it’s doing its job.

For some people, that might not be a big deal. But if you’re like me and like to see progress as you clean, Ajax’s blue streaks are a nice touch.

#7 Rinsing And Residue

Rinsing is another area where these two differ.

Comet rinses off pretty easily. A quick splash of water, and it’s gone.

Ajax, though, takes a bit more effort to rinse completely. Its thicker texture means it sticks around longer, which can be a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it’s great for cleaning. On the other hand, you’ll need to scrub a little harder to rinse it all off.

But here’s the thing: I think the extra effort is worth it. Because Ajax sticks to the sink longer, it pulls up more dirt and grime.

So while it might take an extra minute to rinse, the results speak for themselves.

#8 Surface Compatibility

Before you go grabbing either of these, it’s important to think about what kind of sink you have.

I tested both on a porcelain sink, and they worked great. But if you’ve got a softer material like acrylic or enamel, you might want to proceed with caution.

Both Ajax and Comet are abrasive, so they could scratch delicate surfaces.

If you’re unsure, check the label or do a quick test on a small, inconspicuous area. Better safe than sorry, right?

#9 Prices

Nobody wants to spend a fortune on cleaning supplies, but luckily, both Ajax and Comet are pretty affordable.

Their prices are close, though Comet sometimes comes in larger containers for the same price. If you’re someone who uses a lot of cleaner, that might make Comet the better deal.

But honestly, unless you’re cleaning sinks for a living, the price difference isn’t huge.

Both are budget-friendly options that get the job done.

Should I Get Comet Or Ajax?

Now let’s cut to the chase. Should you buy Ajax or Comet?

If you like a milder scent and a smoother application, Comet is your guy.
If you want a cleaner that digs deep, leaves your sink shinier, and gives you visual feedback while you clean, Ajax is the winner.

Personally, I was surprised by how much I liked Ajax. It outperformed Comet in almost every way. Sure, the smell was a bit stronger, but the results were worth it. I might even switch to Ajax full-time.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Comet and Ajax is that Ajax does a better job of deep cleaning thanks to its thicker, stickier texture that clings to grime and lifts it away. It also has those handy blue streaks that show you exactly where you’ve applied it.

Comet, on the other hand, is smoother, easier to rinse off, and has a milder scent, making it a good choice if you prefer something less abrasive and with less of a chemical smell.

Ajax Vs Comet (Tested And Compared)